Fate of the Potato Cyst Nematode Globodera rostochiensis During Composting

Abstract

Effects of composting on survival and reproduction of the potato cyst nematode (PCN) Globodera rostochiensis were investigated in 150-liter pilot scale reactors. Small bags containing cysts of PCN were incubated in organic waste and composted for 8, 15 or 29 days. Temperatures in the areas close to the cyst bags were monitored. Survival, measured by hatching, was reduced by 99.9% already after 8 days of composting and at 29 days no hatching was recorded. A few eggs, however, still hatched after being composted for 15 days and exposed to temperatures higher than 60°C for several days. Maximal temperatures and thermal exposure time as such could not explain the hatching pattern of PCN, so other factors are likely to be involved in causing lethality. PCN failed to reproduce after 8 days of composting with temperatures reaching a minimum of 50°C during the period. Hence, eight days of composting where all material have reached a temperature of minimum 50°C during the period, could be regarded as a satisfactory method for sanitation of PCN.